Italy’s League seeks to trigger elections, files censure motion
Italy’s League filed a no-confidence motion to bring down its own governing coalition on Friday, a move that the party’s populist chief, Matteo Salvini, hopes will trigger snap elections and install him as the nation’s new leader.
Iran warns against any Israeli involvement in Gulf maritime coalition
Any Israeli involvement in any maritime coalition in the Gulf is a “clear threat” to Iran’s national security and the Islamic Republic has a right to confront the threat, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said on Friday, according to a st…
Italy’s Salvini warns against 5-Star/PD government
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, said on Friday that any attempt to install a new ruling coalition would be unacceptable and reiterated his calls for rapid new elections.
Lebanon’s Jumblatt says to attend reconciliation meeting
Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said in a text message he would attend a reconciliation meeting on Friday with another Druze politician, Talal Arslan, and Lebanon’s top political leadership.
Canadian Baxter, held in Syria, released; meets media in Beirut
A Canadian citizen held in Syria has been released, and appeared at a news conference in Beirut with the Lebanese security chief on Friday.
Tunisian PM Chahed enters crowded race in presidential vote
Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, leader of the secular Tahya Tounes party, on Friday submitted his candidacy for the presidential election next month, making him a likely frontrunner in a crowded field.
Spain’s Sanchez to meet with Podemos, others to seek backing for government
Spain’s acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez said on Friday he would meet next month with far-left Unidas Podemos and regional parties including Catalan separatists, in a bid to strike a deal on forming a government and avoiding snap elections.
Yemen’s Houthis say leader’s brother ‘assassinated’
A brother of Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, the leader of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement which has been fighting a war against forces backed by a Saudi-led military coalition since 2015, has been “assassinated”, the group said on Friday.
Brexit hazard warning lights: UK economy contracts for first time since 2012
The British economy shrank unexpectedly for the first time since 2012 in the second quarter, dragged down by a slump in manufacturing just as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares to leave the European Union with or without a divorce deal.
Tunisian PM Chahed submits bid in crowded race for presidency
Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, leader of the secular Tahya Tounes party, on Friday submitted his candidacy for the presidential election expected next month, making him a likely frontrunner in a crowded field.
